by Stefan Birrer, Head of Business Area Milling Solutions,
Bühler
The principle and processes of the “mill of the future” are not clearly distinct from those used in mills today. But they do take up less space, are more energy efficient and operate increasingly more autonomously.
There is a long history behind milling grains. We know that hunters and gatherers were already using stones or mortars for crushing grains. With the increasing division of labor, the occupation of miller to process wheat, rye or spelt came into being. During the Middle Ages, the profession of miller in Europe came to be known as disreputable and dishonest because of all the possibilities for cheating. But sometime in the 16th century, Reich law decreed that it was an “honorable” and “guild-worthy” profession.
The principle and processes of the “mill of the future” are not clearly distinct from those used in mills today. But they do take up less space, are more energy efficient and operate increasingly more autonomously.
There is a long history behind milling grains. We know that hunters and gatherers were already using stones or mortars for crushing grains. With the increasing division of labor, the occupation of miller to process wheat, rye or spelt came into being. During the Middle Ages, the profession of miller in Europe came to be known as disreputable and dishonest because of all the possibilities for cheating. But sometime in the 16th century, Reich law decreed that it was an “honorable” and “guild-worthy” profession.
Challenges for millers
Today, millers around the world, whether their mills are large or small, are important suppliers for many different food producers - from the neighborhood bakery to international food corporations.
At Bühler, we have routine contact with our customers. We hear from mill operators about the changes that have taken place in their area of work over the past years, and how these changes affect their work and their needs in terms of mill expansion.
There are two increasingly big challenges which are shared by our customers: Businesses that process the flour - are demanding increasingly higher flour quality and guaranteed consistency within narrow parameters.
Along with the growing product diversity, based on desires by consumers, which the mill’s customers have to offer, goes the increasing demand for special flours. This confronts mill operators with the challenge of offering a constantly expanding range of flour products while maintaining consistent quality and keeping prices competitive.
Read more HERE.
The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.
For additional daily news from milling around the world: global-milling.com
